By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: Can you please explain the new law that requires drivers to move to the right lane if they are impeding traffic by traveling under the posted speed limit?  Answer: Modernized language regarding left lane usage was added to Minnesota state statute for those drivers that drive in the left lane below the posted … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: Is it a violation if the third brake light quits working on a passenger vehicle?  What about a vehicle that is equipped with a brake light(s) that flash or pulsate?  Answer: The state statute says that a vehicle equipped with stop lamps or signal lamps shall at all times be maintained in good working … [Read more...]

Question: I came across the Minnesotan law that states animals cannot be kept in vehicles in a manner that endangers their safety. I also came across certain cities’ laws that states you cannot idle your vehicle with the keys inside. Can you talk about pet safety, especially when the temperatures are high? Answer: Minnesota law states that a person may not leave a dog or … [Read more...]

Question: Can you give out information about fog lights? I notice a lot of people have them on and when I am meeting them on the road in the evening or at night, some are very bright and make seeing the road very difficult. Some of them appear to be out of alignment and are blinding. I hope that having people read this will help make a difference, thanks. Answer:  There are … [Read more...]

Question: When the speed limit changes on a road, does the new speed limit start at the sign, or does it start when you can see the sign? Answer:  The speed zone becomes effective when you reach the sign. If the speed limit reduces, you must begin to slow down before the sign. If the speed limit increases, you must wait until you reach the new speed limit sign before … [Read more...]

Question: Can a person have an alcoholic beverage while operating a boat on a lake? How about if you are a passenger in the back of a motor home? Answer:  It is against the law for any person to consume alcohol in any vehicle while on a public road.  Public highways are any road, paved or not, that are open to the public for vehicular traffic.  The law also applies to … [Read more...]

Question: When golf carts are using a pedestrian crosswalk, are vehicles required to yield? This happens in some towns where the roadway separates a golf course. Answer:  Unless there is an ordinance or some other special allowance set by local or state officials golf carts are treated as motor vehicles and not pedestrians. Minnesota State Statute talks about electric … [Read more...]

Question: The driver’s training manual says to have both hands on the steering wheel.  First it was “two and 10” and now with airbags they say “nine and three.”  The question, is it a law that you must have both hands on the wheel?  I have never seen that as a law and if so there sure would be a lot of violations. I’m thinking if it is the manual, it must be a law. Answer:  … [Read more...]

Question: I have heard a lot about “click it or ticket” recently, I thought seat belt use was at an all-time high? Answer:  Most Minnesotans are making the life-saving decision to buckle up. According to the 2018 Minnesota Seat Belt Survey, 92.4% of front seat occupants are wearing their seat belts. Unfortunately, that means more than 7% of motorists continue to risk their … [Read more...]

Question: I moved to Minnesota from Arizona about a year ago and I have a car that has tinted windows.  What is the window tint law in Minnesota?  Answer: Even if your previous state allowed tinted windows, you will now need to comply with Minnesota law: •No vehicle can have ANY tint to the front windshield. •Passenger cars are limited to 50% on all side and rear … [Read more...]